Call for communities to get behind region’s high streets

Shoppers and communities around the Liverpool City Region are being called on to nominate local high streets for top national awards.

The Great British High Street of the Year Awards were launched yesterday (7 July) for 2016 and will celebrate the work being done to revive, adapt and diversify destinations across the country.

The awards, now in their third year, saw 230 high streets entered in 2015 and the competition attracted more than 200,000 public votes.

The government’s minister, Marcus Jones launched the awards and is expecting the figures to continue rising this year as further categories and prizes have been announced.

He says: “I’d urge everyone to get involved to showcase the hard work of your community, in keeping high streets the life and soul of our towns, villages and cities.”

There are nine categories this year including Best City Centre High Street, Best Local Centre for a precinct or parade of shops and the Rising Star accolade to recognise towns which are turning fortunes around.

A further four categories will recognise individuals, with awards for independent and small business employees, high street managers and employees under 25 years old, the best store manager or employee from a national organisation and the best market manager, operator, farmer or trader.

Nominations are now open and the top three nominees shortlisted in each category will be revealed in October before being visited by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel and put to an online public vote.